Matt Barnes Addresses NBA’s Concerning Report on High School Kids

Former NBA champion Matt Barnes has consistently spoken out about the mounting pressures on young athletes, from the relentless grind of the AAU circuit (“The expectations of the parent is delusional, to me”) to the troubling trends highlighted in the league’s latest report on high school players. Watching his twin sons pursue the sport he loves, Barnes warns that the current system pushes kids too hard, too soon—could it be putting their long-term development and love for the game at risk?

Sharing his perspective with over a million followers, Barnes wrote, “I blame the adults running things. It’s a money grab, it’s not about development anymore.” His words underscore a deeper concern, highlighted by a recent USA Today report detailing the conclusion of the NBA’s six-year study on elite high school basketball. The findings are striking: on average, these young athletes are competing in 80–110 games a year, a schedule that raises serious questions about their physical well-being and overall development. But that isn’t all.

50% of them reported having no time off from organized basketball in a 12-month span. That means no time for rest and recovery, which is equally important while getting the reps in. Remember, the late great Kobe Bryant started icing his knees at the age of 16 to recover faster and enhance his performance. This habit even surprised his former peer Richard “Rip” Hamilton during their time in AAU basketball.

Further, the discoverers revealed that half of the players surveyed played 4 games in a single day and 7 across one weekend. It’s not that the NBA has not taken notice of this; in fact, they have started measures to help the kids. Which is why Matt Barnes raised his voice to highlight the issue that not only his kids but other young hoopers are facing.

One such pathway is to limit the number of games they play. That’s why, in response, Nike EYBL and other shoe circuits have already made changes—adjusting scheduling to limit the number of games players compete in per day. According to the new mandate, the players can only play a maximum of 2 games per day. The EYBL has also implemented a day off for rest for each team at its Peach Jam event. There is also a committee in place, which the former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski heads.

Krzyzewski, who also serves as a special advisor to NBA commissioner Adam Silver and chairs the league’s Global Basketball Committee, told USA TODAY Sports that the game in the U.S. is “undertaught and probably overplayed, if that makes sense.” Echoing that concern, NBA senior vice president and head of youth basketball development David Krichavsky noted that the league has implemented guidelines aimed at prioritizing player health and wellness. These measures encourage multi-sport participation, set age-appropriate limits on games per day and week, and mandate specific periods for rest and recovery.

Not just Matt Barnes, but another Lakers superstar shared a subtle lesson through his children

Spending time with family is a principle both Matt Barnes and LeBron James take seriously, especially when it comes to their children. In the James household, it isn’t a suggestion—it’s a rule. “Myself and Savannah, we’ve told our kids this is not an all-year-round thing for you guys. One, we don’t want y’all to burn the hell out. Two, there needs to be some family time involved as well. We get it. We know y’all want to play, whatever the case may be,” LeBron explained. For the children of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, the pressure is real, but emphasizing recovery and family helps balance that burden.

This philosophy has allowed LeBron to sustain and thrive as he nears his 23rd NBA season, sending a subtle but important message to the youth basketball system: protecting young players and prioritizing their well-being matters. Barnes has echoed that sentiment with even more intensity.

The former player has openly criticized the structure surrounding high school basketball, particularly the overworked AAU circuits, arguing that the system often prioritizes profit and exposure over proper development and balance. Together, both fathers highlight a clear lesson for the next generation: talent alone isn’t enough. It requires guidance, support, and rest are essential for long-term growth, both on and off the court.